Working on the road is a big change, especially if you are used to coming home at a certain time every night. It’s important to take the time to prepare before your first trip so that you don’t end up stressed and ready to quit. Keeping a regular schedule, exercising, communicating with family and staying organized will help you make the most of the time you spend on the road without sacrificing your health.

Plan to Keep a Regular Schedule

Some trucking jobs come with odd hours, so it is important to keep a regular schedule as often as you can. You are legally allowed to drive 11 hours each day. It’s best to take breaks every couple of hours if you can so that you don’t end up getting fatigued. Most drivers find that eating meals at regular times and taking a break in the afternoon is best for their health. Ignoring your health may be okay for a short time, but unhealthy habits are likely to put you at greater risk for an accident. A Baton Rouge truck accident lawyer will help you if you need it, but it’s best to do everything you can to stay healthy and avoid being involved in an accident.

Bring Weights and Exercise Equipment

One of the worst things about working on the road is that driving is inactive and doesn’t leave much time for exercise most days. You need to make exercise a priority because it is good for your health and happiness. It’s best to pack a good pair of tennis shoes as well as several weights and resistance bands for quick workouts. Exercise rooms are available at some truck stops, so plan to stop and utilize these facilities as often as you can.

Buy a Laptop and Set Up Communication

Most truckers are great at utilizing all of the communication that is available today. Prepare for being on the road by increasing your cell phone plan to include the amount of time you’re likely to spend communicating with friends and family while you’re on the road. Downloading video conferencing software in advance will make it easy for you to talk face-to-face with loved ones when you’re thousands of miles apart.

Organize Your Space

Working on the road means that you’re likely to spend hours traveling each day. Organizing your space will help you make sure that you have room for everything you will be bringing with you. Use hangers and plastic bins to organize your belongings so you can easily put your belongings in order each day before you start working. Spending your day in an organized space is much better for your mental health than looking at clutter and having trouble finding what you need.